[RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark 12k w/ Generac Transfer Switch

Thu Jun 17 11:49:53 EDT 2021

I wish Sol-Ark would better document this and/or have a list of
suitable options. Details are minimal. Short of getting these things in
your hands it's hard to tell from documentation alone how it will all play
nice together.

Better yet - how about a 12k inverter with 200A pass through/xfer
capability!

On Thu, Jun 17, 2021, 11:35 AM Mac Lewis <maclewis1 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Yes, you need to have a transfer switch with its own brain that doesn't
> need the generator controller to decide which source to latch to.
>
> A good example of this is the Kohler line of transfer switches:
>
> The RXT line of transfer switches needs the RDC2 controller (in the
> generator) to actually switch to the secondary source and back (this can be
> hacked of course).
> The RDT line of switches can be independent and work well for these
> applications.
>
> Most transfer switches will switch to the neutral position upon loss of
> utility but need an energized secondary source to latch into the secondary
> position.
>
> You do pay more for the transfer switches with the independent brain but
> it's worth not needing to provide added control signalling.
>
>
>
> On Thu, Jun 17, 2021 at 9:06 AM Jason Szumlanski <
> jason at floridasolardesigngroup.com> wrote:
>
>> I have the same question. I assumed an ATS would transfer upon utility
>> loss, but I'm learning that some do not transfer until the generator starts
>> up. I'm wondering how this works with Sol-Arks given their schematics that
>> use ATS in multi-inverter setups for whole home backup (with no generator
>> involved).
>>
>> Jason Szumlanski
>>
>> On Thu, Jun 17, 2021, 9:48 AM Dave Tedeyan <dave at sungineersolar.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi Rick,
>>> I have a similar situation with a GE transfer switch, but am curious to
>>> hear what others have to say. My assumption was that the switch transfers
>>> based on loss of 240V from the grid. But I believe (at least with the GE
>>> generator) that the transfer switch sends a two wire start signal to the
>>> inverter when the transfer switch loses the 240V signal. My plan was to
>>> rewire that start signal to the Sol-Ark inverter, but keep the transfer
>>> switch as the main service point to prevent any kind of backfeeding to the
>>> grid.
>>> Cheers,
>>> Dave
>>>
>>> On Thu, Jun 17, 2021 at 9:41 AM rick at solshineenergy.com <
>>> rick at solshineenergy.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Wrenches,
>>>>
>>>> I’m looking to tie in a Generac Powerpact 7.5kW generator with transfer
>>>> switch to a Sol-Ark 12kW. The Sol-Ark has a two wire start (NO or NC)
>>>> capability, however, the Generac transfer switch operates on loss of 240V.
>>>> Is my only option to use a relay driven by the two wire start to drop 240V
>>>> to the transfer switch?
>>>>
>>>> Thank you,
>>>>
>>>> rick brown
>>>> SolShine Energy Alternatives, LLC
>>>> Electrical & Solar Contracting Services
>>>> www.SolShineEnergy.com
>>>> Check, Virginia 24072
>>>> Office: 540.235.3095
>>>> Mobile: 540.808.9502
>>>>
>>>> VA Class A Contractor Lic# 2705147660
>>>> VA Master Electrician Lic# 2710062762
>>>> VA Alternative Energy Systems Installer
>>>> NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional 110112-21
>>>>
>>>>
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>>>
>>> --
>>> *Dave Tedeyan, PE*
>>> [image: Sungineer Solar]
>>> 1653 Slaterville Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
>>> Cell: 607-288-2898
>>> www.sungineersolar.com
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>
> --
>
>
>
> Mac Lewis
>
> *"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates*
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